As the days grow shorter and cooler in Colorado, the weather can be pleasantly warm one day and uncomfortably cool the next. Unfortunately, all this fluctuating back and forth can have negative effects on the health and performance of your furnace. When temperatures experience a significant drop, your furnace is forced to work harder than usual, which can lead to a number of additional complications. In fact, if you aren’t up to date on your furnace maintenance, it could stop altogether.
Overworking the Furnace
When experiencing sudden cold snaps, the biggest danger is forcing your furnace to do too much. Keep this in mind, when setting the temperature. Cranking it to the maximum level is not sustainable in the long term. However, constantly lowering and raising the temperature isn’t good either, as the furnace has to work extra hard to gain heat. It’s best to simply set the furnace at a comfortable temperature and keep it there throughout the day.
There are numerous ways to ensure your furnace is properly equipped to handle such episodes, such as replacing the filters. These should generally be replaced every 90 days. If you can’t recall the last time they were updated, it’s probably a good time to do so. You can also inspect the filters themselves. If the filter is visibly covered in a layer of dust, then it’s time for a replacement. It’s also important to ensure all the vents are clear of debris. Indoor vents clogged with dust can lead to efficiency problems, as can outdoor vents covered by leaves or, as the months grow colder, layers of frost and snow.
Unfortunately, if it’s an older system or hasn’t had routine maintenance in a while, even these preparations may not be enough. In the event that your furnace stops working, it’s critical to get a technician onsite immediately, as low temperatures can be extremely dangerous to your health and safety. Contact Hardcastle to schedule a service call right away if you’re experiencing any heating emergencies.
Preventing Furnace Problems
Despite regularly checking the filters and vents, it’s easy to miss important details. As you start relying more and more upon the heat of your furnace, it’s a good time to call in a licensed professional to perform some routine maintenance. The team at Hardcastle Home Services has years of experience working with furnaces. We can identify any areas that need attention to ensure your household remains crisis-free and comfortable all year long. Give us a call for a free estimate today!
